Male birth control shots may prevent pregnancy, study says

Injectable hormonal birth control for men is one step closer to reality.

A new study found over a hormonal male birth control shot was over 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, which is similar to other birth control methods available for men. However, the study found the method was highly correlated with mild to moderate mood disorders.

Of the 320 participants, there were just four pregnancies.

Other side effects includes acne, increased libido, and pain at the injection site.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, looked at 266 men between the ages of 18-45 years and their female partners. During the efficacy phase, male participants received hormone injections every eight weeks, for up to 56 weeks.

Despite mood changes and other side effects, the participant reaction to the birth control method was fairly positive. More than 75 percent of participants said they were satisfied with the method and said they would be willing to use it if it was available.

The study spanned 10 sites in Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, Chile, India, Indonesia, and Italy. It is the first large scale, multi-country trial to look at a combination of testosterone and progestogen in male birth control.